Heart Center classes can win their hearts and waistlines

INDIANAPOLIS – St. Francis Heart Center is offering a series of free “Change of Heart” classes for the public to learn new ways to be more heart healthy and introduce them to great lifelong habits.

Classes are taught by St. Francis dietitians and exercise specialists. Attendees receive free booklets for each class chock-full of hints, ideas and recipes.

The classes are 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and run from March 3 to May 27. Most are held at the St. Francis Heart Center, 8111 S. Emerson Ave., Entrance 1. March classes include:

Good Health Starts Here
March 3, St. Francis Heart Center
March 23, St. Francis Hospital—Mooresville, 1201 Hadley Road
Learn the basics about nutrition and how fats, carbs and protein affect your body. Other topics include the benefits of fiber and the importance of limiting salt in your diet.

Heart Smart Dining
March 10, St. Francis Heart Center
How many meals do you eat away from home? Here are some hints about making good choices at your favorite restaurants.

Cooking for Your Heart
March 25, St. Francis Heart Center
March 29, St. Francis Hospital—Mooresville, 1201 Hadley Road
Learn how changing just one or two ingredients in your favorite recipes can boost nutrition and cut fat, sodium and calories.

Creative Cuisine
March 31, St. Francis Heart Center
Surprise your family with new recipes that are fun to make and nutritious. Taste samples during the class.

Reduce Stress
March 9, April 7, May 13, St. Francis Heart Center
This three-session class goes in-depth on how to manage stress in your life and reduce its effects on your physical health. Attend one or all three! Classes are taught by James Nicolai, M.D.

Super Shopping
March 16, Kroger, 8850 S. Emerson Ave., Indianapolis
This class begins and ends in a local supermarket where our dietitian leads the tour through the aisles. Find new products and learn how to read food labels for nutritional information.

For more information about class offerings and services available at the St. Francis Heart Center, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/heart.